By Philip Yiga | July 2, 2018

A Tree-Topology is a combination of a star-network topology and a bus-topology. On the other hand, a Network Topology is a systematic layout of nodes over a network and in tree topology nodes of the underlying bus network topology are replaced with a complete star topology. Likewise, Tree topology follows a hierarchical pattern whereby each level is connected to the next higher level in a symmetrical pattern. So, Tree topology can connect multiple star topologies to other star topology networks thus allowing users to have many servers on the network. In fact, Tree topology is the best option for connecting large networks. Lastly, a Tree-topology features 3-levels of hierarchy which work together basing on the root network and there are also several factors to consider when setting-up a tree-topology like cost, length of cables and type of cables needed.

 

Advantages of Tree Topology:

1. It’s highly flexible: Under a tree-topology, computers can be easily added and connected by simply adding a hub in a network-topology. This actually allows you to add multiple computers to a network at once in-order to create a large network.

 

2. Easy Centralized Monitoring: A Tree-topology allows users to easily control and manage a larger network. Additionally, a tree topology is very easy to reconfigure.

 

3. Its Scalable: A tree-topology is very scalable because leaf-nodes can accommodate more nodes in the hierarchical chain. For example, in a tree-topology it’s easy to add a computer by simply extending cables to get connected.

 

4. Easy point to point wiring: A point to point wiring to the central hub at each intermediate node of a tree-topology actually represents a node in the bus-topology. In fact, in a tree-topology each computer is connected to the hub and also each part of a network is connected to the main cable.

 

5. Better access to the network: Since a tree-topology is a large network, all computers will have better access to the network. This actually makes a tree-topology the most effective way of connecting multiple computers to a single network.

 

6. Hierarchical networks don’t get damaged easily: In a tree-topology, other hierarchical networks are not affected if one of them gets damaged. This makes a tree-topology network very reliable and efficient.

 

7. Supported by hardware and software venders: Tree-topology is also supported by many hardware and software venders hence this implies that its components are readily available on the market.

 

8. Easier maintenance: A tree-topology is very easy to maintain and it’s also very easy to find fault within its network thus saving companies a lot of time and money.

 

9. Easy identification of a system: With a tree-topology, it’s very easy to identify a particular system in the network and also connect to a larger network.

 

10. Sharing information over larger network: A tree-topology will allow you to share information across a larger network which is a great thing for large corporations.

 

11. It allows for multiple servers on a network: Tree topology also allows users to connect multiple servers on a network. This actually makes the network expandable and capable of accommodating a lot of computers at once.

 

12. Reduced network traffic: since a tree-topology features multiple servers, this will greatly help to reduce on network traffic no-matter the number of computers connected onto a network.

 

Disadvantages of Tree Topology:

• A single point of failure: under a tree-topology, if the backbone of the entire network breaks down, both parts of the network may not communicate to each other but only a part of the network may continue to communicate alone.

 

• Huge cabling is needed: since a tree-topology features several connection points, huge cabling will be required most especially if the network is very big or connecting multiple computers.

 

• Difficult to configure: Sometimes it’s difficult to configure a tree-topology because it’s a large topology and also wiring the network is very difficult.

 

• Network-length is limited by type of cable: In a tree-topology, the length of a network is limited by the type of cable to be used on that network. So, you will need to use high-quality cables for extended networks.

 

• A lot of maintenance is required: A tree-topology requires a lot of maintenance because it features a lot of connection points that can easily get damaged over time.